F-1 VISA
To download our Pre-Arrival Packet, please click here.
If you would like to study full time in the U.S., then you should apply for a student (F-1) visa. A student visa is issued by the American Embassy in your home country. In order to apply for a student visa, you must have a SEVIS I-20 issued by the school you would like to attend. Global ESL Academy is authorized under federal law to admit non-immigrant F-1 students and can issue I-20s. Please note that students on a student visa are required by U.S. Immigration law to study in a full-time program with a minimum of 18 hours per week.
Applicants from Abroad
These are the steps you have to follow in order to get an I-20 from abroad.
| Step 1: | Fill out an I-20 application form. Click here to download the form. | |
| Step 2: | Send us required documents including the Affidavit of Support. Click here to download the form. Click here for the list of the other required documentations. |
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| Step 3: | Receive an I-20 from us. Please note that it takes 2-3 weeks to process your SEVIS I-20 request. The SEVIS I-20 will be mailed to you by Express Mail unless you request us to send it to someone in the U.S. or have it ready to be picked up. | |
| Step 4: | Go to www.fmjfee.com and pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. This is a required fee by the US Homeland Security Department. You must do this before your visa interview at the Embassy. | |
| Step 5: | Apply for your F-1 visa in your home country. Go to www.usembassy.gov for a list of the closest U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Please review our “How to prepare for an F-1 Visa Interview” document for details on preparing for your visa interview. | |
| Step 6: | Come to the U.S. Please note that you will not be allowed by Immigration to enter the U.S. anytime earlier than 30 days before your classes start. | |
| Step 7: | Report to school no later than 3 days after your arrival. Remember to bring your passport, I-94 and I-20 when reporting to school. | |
| Step 8: | Schedule an appointment for the placement test and attend our New Student Orientation. | |
| Step 9: | Start Classes at Global ESL Academy. |
Transfer Students
These are the steps you have to follow in order to get an I-20.
| Step 1: | Fill out an I-20 application form. Click here to download the form. | |
| Step 2: | Send or bring us required documents including the Affidavit of Support (Click here to download the form) and the Transfer Enrollment Status Form (Click here to download the form). Click here for the list of the other required documents. |
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| Step 3: | Call 718-886-5240 or come in person to schedule an appointment for the placement test and attend our New Student Orientation. | |
| Step 4: | See the International Student Adviser about your submitted documents and to finalize the transfer process. | |
| Step 5: | Pick up your I-20. | |
| Step 6: | Start classes at Global ESL Academy. |
Change of Status
Anyone considering changing his/her status must schedule an appointment to see the International Student Adviser. You can call 718-886-5240 to schedule an appointment. On the day of the appointment, please bring all your Immigration status paperwork including the passport, visa and I-94 copies.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at info@globaleslacademy.edu or call 718-886-5240.
